Thoughts from the interface of science, religion, law and culture

After spending several years touring the country as a stand up comedian, Ed Brayton tired of explaining his jokes to small groups of dazed illiterates and turned to writing as the most common outlet for the voices in his head. He has appeared on the Rachel Maddow Show and the Thom Hartmann Show, and is almost certain that he is the only person ever to make fun of Chuck Norris on C-SPAN.

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Foundation Beyond Belief Needs Interns

The Foundation Beyond Belief is searching for motivated young freethinkers to be interns for the first half of 2008. It’s only 8-10 hours a week and it’s a great opportunity to build a resume and work with some amazing people. If you know a young secularist who might be interested, please spread the word. They can apply here.

“INTERN” In the past, it always meant modestly paid OJT. But recently it’s become a euphemism for fucking people out of low pay, to get them to work for no pay at all – with the vague promise of “job experience”. I’m surprised that Ed, who is always pontificating about intellectual honesty, would use the word. Why don’t you just call it what it is – unpaid volunteers?

#5,6
The FBB application form is pretty clear that it’s an unpaid volunteer position. It even says “volunteer intern” right there in the job description. So I think they’re being pretty honest about the fact that it’s a temporary volunteer position, targeted at younger members of the secular movement.

Honest or not, this is really not cool. Someone works for your organization, you should pay them minimum wage, it’s not like that’s very much. Doing otherwise is affirmative action for privileged people and helps devalue labor to boot.

I’m more concerned with the discriminatory hiring practice. Limiting the position to secularists is somewhat understandable, given the nature of the position. But to advertise for only interns “young” enough for Ed’s taste is immoral and a little creepy.

#8
Doesn’t change the fact that the advert can be summarised as:
“Privileged and well off already? Let us improve your CV and network. Need a proper job so you can eat, fuck off.”

It’s 8 – 10 hours a week. Even if you were paid, that’s not a job that will support you. Jesus, it’s a fucking internship. They aren’t designed to support you, but give you valuable job experience. I would have loved an 8 to 10 hour internship right out of college. Would have done me a world of good. Relax people.